Sir Alex Ferguson's vow that
Manchester United will tighten up in Europe this season was undermined
by an admission that he no longer has a first-choice goalkeeper.
Ferguson
said there is a 'strong possibility' he will recall David de Gea in
place of Anders Lindegaard for Wednesday night's Champions League opener
at home to Galatasaray.
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No first choice: Ferguson will choose between De Gea and Lindegaard for Wednesday's clash with Galatasaray
But it's clear De Gea - dropped for
two games after mistakes against Fulham last month - has lost his No 1
status as Ferguson juggles the two men until one establishes himself as a
long-term successor to Edwin van der Sar.
He said: 'I think the most important thing I'm trying to achieve is
experience of the English game. They are both young, they don't have the
experience of a Van der Sar or Schmeichel, so alternating is not a
problem for me.'
Rarely have United been able to field
a regular defence during a three-season period of group stage matches
on home soil that has secured a paltry total of three wins. Already
this term, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have been ruled out for
extended periods, forcing Michael Carrick into service as an emergency
central defender. Even
allowing for Rio Ferdinand missing the odd game, such measures should
not be required again now that Jonny Evans has recovered from an ankle
injury. But Ferguson realises the position is precarious - and of huge significance.
'At
the moment with Smalling and Jones long-term, I'm left with three
centre-backs, Vidic, Ferdinand and Evans,' said the United boss.
'If I was guaranteed two of those being fit for the rest of the season I'd take that gladly right now.
'It's not been the case in the last two or three years, when we have had a really rough ride.
'I've had to alternate centre-backs. Go back two years ago and we had Carrick, (Darren) Fletcher and (Patrice) Evra there.
'That's a key issue. I can't hide that. I just hope I get a bit of luck in that respect.'
Ferguson confirmed Kagawa is fit to
make his European bow after shrugging off a back complaint he picked up
on international duty with Japan.
The
summer arrival from Borussia Dortmund has quickly struck up an
impressive partnership with Van Persie, although even with Wayne Rooney
sidelined, Ferguson does have alternatives in attack, in stark contrast
to his defensive woes.
Javier Hernandez is one. Due to a series of setbacks, the Mexican struggled to emulate his stellar debut season last term.
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4 comments:
Both very good keepers. De Gea can be awesome for 85 minutes and let in 2 goals in 5 minutes of concentration lapses. Amazing shot stopper but still fails to command the box and he looks uncomfortable with crosses - too easily bullied in the Premiership. Vidic and Ferguson could protect him more at set pieces but he needs to bulk up and make his presence felt. Lindegaard is very solid and reliable - probably less naturally gifted but less likely to make silly mistakes. I can understand SAF rotating until one stakes a claim to the number one place. MY feeling is that he expects DE Gea to make the grade - if he doesn't by the end of the season I wouldn't be surprised to see him leave and get replaced by a big name.
Now De Gea has some awe inspiring moments, but lacks that consistency to become United's No. 1 just yet. Lindegaard is consistent and has such a presence in the box, for me it's Lindegaard for now, until De Gea stops making those mistakes.
In terms of reflex and shot stopping skills, De Gea is better by far. Lindegaard has more physical presence in the box, but that can be developed, as opposed to developing pure God-given talent. De Gea should be given a run of games to get his confidence up. He is younger and more talented, so Manchester United should invest time in him and have faith. You can't really expect him to improve on the bench right.
De Gea should be number one. The only thing I don't like about him is his Hollywood style saves, he's trying to show off little bit I think, but he's young. He'll be a top keeper.
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